Mushrooms are nature’s miniature pharmaceutical factories and have been used by our ancestors as medicine for thousands of years1.
Medicinal mushrooms are a kingdom of fungi found in various parts of the world that have been used to support health through their immunomodulatory properties2.
They are thought to possess approximately 130 medicinal functions, including antitumor, antioxidant, radical scavenging, cardiovascular, anti-hypercholesterolemic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, detoxification, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects3.
There are a variety of ways mushrooms support immune health. Certain mushrooms may positively influence the gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens4.
Several mushrooms have been shown to support immune health by enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses, while others may suppress the immune response, thereby exerting anti-allergic effects6.
Medicinal mushrooms have recently gained popularity in the wellness industry for their potential health benefits. Some of our client’s response suggests that incorporating medicinal mushrooms into their diet has helped them improve their overall health and well-being.
Let’s explore 5 medicinal mushrooms and the benefits each boasts when it comes to your immune system!
Table of Contents
REISHI
Reishi mushroom is a fungus that holds an important place in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries for its health-promoting effects. It is used to increase strength and stamina, boost the immune system, and lower cholesterol7. It also has adaptogenic properties that can help manage stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue.
LION’S MANE
Lion’s mane, like the other species of functional mushrooms, contains diverse phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, a prebiotic fiber, and digestive enzymes that support immune health and promote healthy gut flora8. Lion’s mane also contains a broad range of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, known for their cognitive health benefits9.
CORDYCEPS
For centuries, Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a tonic to treat several conditions, such as respiratory diseases, liver or renal problems, hyperglycemia, and cancer or tumor disorders10.
Cordyceps contains different compounds that can strengthen the immune system’s response and control its exacerbated response11.
Additionally, this medicinal mushroom has been utilized to enhance energy and endurance, improve aerobic capacity, and boost cellular immunity12.
CHAGA
A healing plant of renowned value worldwide, Chaga is thought to be a potent immune-stimulating medicinal mushroom*13.
Chaga helps fight inflammation due to its high level of antioxidants, helps reduce blood sugar levels, and improves insulin resistance. Studies have even shown the potential to slow the growth of cancer cells14.
*Chaga is not a mushroom (fruiting body) but a dense sterile mass of decayed bits of birch tissue with mycelia incorporated.
TURKEY TAIL
One of the most researched of all functional mushrooms, turkey tail is in a class of its own.
Packed with antioxidants, this mushroom promotes immune system health by helping manage inflammation and stimulating the release of immune-supportive compounds. It’s also rich in prebiotics, which helps nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut and assist in the restoration of a balance of good flora in the gastrointestinal tract, supporting improved digestion and healthy immune response15.
As you can see, incorporating any of these five medicinal mushrooms can greatly support your immune system and overall health! All of these functional mushrooms are edible, culinary mushrooms but are often taken as supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, extracts, powders, or teas.
Holistic Nutritionist
Incorporating immune-boosting foods into your diet can be a great way to support a healthy immune system. However, planning and preparing meals with all the necessary nutrients can be challenging. That’s where a meal plan service can be beneficial.
Our meal plan service provides customized meal plans tailored to your unique nutritional needs, making it easier to consume a well-balanced diet supporting your immune system. With our service, you can take the guesswork out of meal planning and focus on fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Start your journey towards a healthier immune system by signing up for our meal plan service today! Contact us to learn more about this option and how it may benefit you.
SOURCES
1. Stamets, Paul, and Heather Zwickey. “Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684114/.
2.“Q&A: What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?” Om Mushroom Superfood, Om Mushroom Superfood, 18 Nov. 2021, https://ommushrooms.com/blogs/blog/what-are-medicinal-mushrooms-m2.
3. Wasser SP. Medicinal mushroom science: Current perspectives, advances, evidences, and challenges. Biomed J. 2014 Nov-Dec;37(6):345-56. doi: 10.4103/2319-4170.138318. PMID: 25179726.
4. Jayachandran, Muthukumaran, et al. “A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Sept. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/.
5. SP;, Wasser. “Medicinal Mushroom Science: Current Perspectives, Advances, Evidences, and Challenges.” Biomedical Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25179726/.
6. Lindequist, Ulrike, et al. “The Pharmacological Potential of Mushrooms.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2005, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1193547/.
7. J, Liu, et al. “Reishi Mushroom.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom.
8,9. “Your Guide to Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits and How to Use This Superfood.” Om Mushroom Superfood, https://ommushrooms.com/blogs/blog/lions-mane-mushroom-benefits-m2.
10-12. Das, Gitishree, et al. “Cordyceps Spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Feb. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7898063/.
13. Real Mushrooms. “9 Things You Didn’t Know about Chaga.” Real Mushrooms, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.realmushrooms.com/what-is-chaga/#Chaga%20is%20not%20a%20mushroom.
14. “4 Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 29 June 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chaga-mushroom-benefits/.
15. Ziegelman, Adam. “Turkey Tail Mushroom Guide: Health Benefits and Ways to Use This Superfood.” Om Mushroom Superfood, Om Mushroom Superfood, 16 Sept. 2021, https://ommushrooms.com/blogs/blog/turkey-tail-mushroom-m2.
